Author: Jason Bowman

The question “What trade suits me best?” is not to be taken lightly, but should also be based on your fun and sense of adventure as much as your academic prowess. If you are looking into the future and wondering which trade may suit you best you will need to keep some important things in mind.

1. Consider trades you find interesting

The first thing to do when looking for a trade that is right for you is finding something that melds your interests with those current professions in demand in your area. Research is essential to getting the best information and current industry trends and job openings will give you some clues as to what your local future holds.

2. Some trades open a wider range of career options

A trade with plenty of flexibility is a good idea as the need for skilled trades can change as time passes and with different regions. Look for those trades with many transferable skills. Electricians and mechanics are two such examples. Of course, specialty skills will have narrower job options. If you think you will like to switch things up every so often flexibility is crucial.

3. “What Trade Suits Me Best? The one I can Begin Now!”

Consider the skills and interests you have right now and how these can be applied, explored and improved in your current environment. Are you a master at culinary techniques? Do you have a knack for understanding and repairing mechanical or electronic objects? Think of the countless ways you can transform your current skills and capacities into a potentially lucrative profession. This is the best way to measure how interested you actually are in a practice. At the very worst, you will improve the functionality of your home environment.

4. Become an expert in a niche area

Specializing in a particular aspect of your profession is the best way to become an expert and authority in an important skill. For example, if you are an adept woodworker you can consider learning how to work with hardwood furniture. This will allow you to place a finer point on your skill. Never forget the value of broadening the service range and applications of your transferable skill set.

5. The learning will never stop

After you have studied your career and mastered the skills you have, never forget that industries are in a constant state of revolution and you will be able to continue studying your skills and improve them through more and more study as time goes on.

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If you want to work on retooling in another vocation, for example becoming an HVAC tech or a plumber, you have options. There are a lot of different things you could be doing now that would be better than what you’re working at. Jobs need to change sometimes or you just get stuck in a rut.

Before you get another job, be careful about who you talk to about your plans. You don’t want to tell a coworker who could then tell your boss what you’re planning on doing. You want to look for another career during your free time away from work and you want to make sure you have work in the meantime so don’t go around bragging to people that you are going to be making more money soon or anything like that. It can be exciting to change up your career, but try to keep the excitement contained until you for sure have a new job lined up.

Figure out if the company you’re going to work for has a lot of ways for you to move up in it. You don’t want to get in on the ground floor of a company only to stay there and be more miserable than you were at your last job. Figure out what your options are for advancement in the company by doing some research and by asking if you’re in an interview with someone from the company. If it takes too long to move up or you can’t really get a better position than the one you’re being offered, you may want to go elsewhere.

The pay is going to have to be better if you’re ditching one job for another. If, however, you are going to make less at first but can move up to make more, that is okay as well. Just don’t go to a place where you’re going to get stuck getting paid less for your time there because then it wouldn’t make sense to move to that new job. There are a lot of careers you can get into so don’t give up hope and keep searching until the right opportunity makes itself apparent.

Retooling in another vocation is a good idea if you feel like you’re stuck in the same spot for a long time in your career. If you’re working somewhere where you just can’t advance, then it’s time to find another job that has more opportunities.

Is college for everyone? How many times have you heard that question? The answer is no, college is not for everyone, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t all kinds of opportunities for continued education. Vocational school is one of them. This type of school trains students to take on a specific vocation or career upon graduation. Vocational training after high school can get students in the workplace faster and in careers that they enjoy and that pay well, too.

It has long been a misconception that a person must go to college in order to get a decent career and make a living. The truth is and has always been much more complicated than that. After all, not everyone that earns a degree lands a dream job, and remember, Steve Jobs did start Apple in a garage as a college dropout.

My personal experience can also shed light on this subject. First, let me say that college is all about the experience and the education leading to growth and opportunities. It’s not about getting a piece of paper and immediately taking on a career. That is so robotic, and it’s not always how life works. Yes, there are those that get degrees with specific jobs in mind for sure, but there are just as many, if not more, that don’t.

To add, vocational training after high school does lead to a specific occupation. Now let me digress once more to add my personal experience. I did graduate from college, but get a load of this. I tacked on a teacher’s certification to my degree in English Lit to give me a career. After some life events, opportunities and all kinds of things, I gave up teaching and subsequently started a writing career. Writing had always been a passion of mine, hence the English degree. The climate for going into business as a writer was right, and I did.

You are thinking about what is right for you, and you need the right education and experience to help get you there. Is vocational school the right thing for you? These days, college can be so expensive. People don’t want to be loaded with debt. They want to work, support a family and save for retirement. To each his own when it comes to vocational school vs college, but those two choices aren’t even close to your only options. Decide what’s right for you and move forward towards your goals.

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Are you wondering how to become a plumber? Not only is a licensed plumber able to earn a good income, but such a career opportunity offers numerous benefits. If you’re interested in pursuing plumbing as your career choice, there are a few requirements that you’ll need to meet in order to get started.

The first step is, of course, your education as you will need at least a GED or high school diploma in order to get started. It’s also important for you to have a strong understanding of subjects related to math such as algebra, geometry, and measuring as well as an understanding of thermodynamics and biology. If you know that your school background is fairly good, you need to ensure that your driving record and criminal background are both clean. Additionally, you need to strive to be completely drug-free and be able to pass a drug test.

The next step is to continue your education by enrolling in technical courses. In most states, you’re required to spend a certain amount of time in a classroom in order to obtain your plumbing license. These courses may be taken through community colleges, unions, trade institutions, or even plumbing associations. The requirements in order to complete such a course will depend on your location, but you’ll usually have an understanding of water heating systems, local plumbing codes, electrical systems, draining and venting, and pipe cutting and soldering.

Once you’ve taken the necessary courses, you’re now ready to become an apprentice with an experienced plumber. The apprenticeship requires you to spend a number of hours or even years being in an apprenticeship in order to learn what it takes to become a good plumber. Some trade schools may offer apprenticeship programs, but others may require you to find a plumber you can work alongside. If this is something you’d like to think about early on, make sure you choose a school that helps you find good apprenticeships.

If you’re wondering how to become a plumber, the last step is to take the test. Usually, this entails a written exam that’s not only required for you to obtain your plumbing license but will make you a better plumber overall. The test is often cumulative of what you’ve learned over the years, and once you’ve passed with flying colors, you’re ready to become a licensed journeyman plumber!

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HVAC Training Yields Solid Career Options

Obviously, everyone wants to have a great job. However, not everyone wants to go to school for four years. College isn’t something that is right for everyone, and there is no shame in exploring your other options.

There are a lot of skilled trades that are highly in demand. If, for example, you were to enter a HVAC training program, you’ll have the skills needed to perform a very important job.

Here are four reasons you should be looking into these kinds of training programs:

Many Programs Are Very Affordable

You’ll have to spend a fortune if you want to go to a four-year college, but you might not have to spend a lot to enter a training program. There are some extremely affordable programs out there.

If you’re worried about the cost of your schooling, a program like this may be ideal for you! You’ll be able to find a program that you can pay for out of pocket. You won’t have to rack up debt in order to secure a job.

You’ll Be Able To Start Working Right Out Of School

Because there are so many jobs for people with HVAC training, you won’t have to look too long in order to find a job. As a matter of fact, it’s likely that you’ll be placed in a job immediately out of school.

The sooner you start working, the better. After all, once you land a job, you’ll be able to start earning money and building a better life for yourself.

You Have Room For Growth

When you enter a new field, you start at the bottom of the rung. However, as you build experience and hone your expertise, you’ll be able to move on to better and higher paying positions.

There is a lot of room for growth in the world of HVAC. As a matter of fact, a lot of the people that pursue a career in this field wind up owning their own businesses.

If you’re impressed by the entry level positions that you are seeing, you’ll be even more impressed by the jobs that you need later on.

HVAC Repair Can Be A Fulfilling Job

A lot of people find HVAC repair to be extremely fulfilling. When you’re called to perform a repair job, you’re being asked to solve a problem. By the time you leave the job, you will have found a solution.

You don’t ever have to leave your work unfinished in this industry. You’ll be able to take care of your issues and move on to the next step.

Start looking into HVAC training programs and see what you think of them. You should be able to find a training program in your area that will provide you with the kind of education you need. You’ll be able to get training and start working in a great career field.

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Apprenticeship? Home Study? Classroom?

If you are thinking about becoming an HVAC technician you will be wondering about how long this will take you. There are three routes that you can take to become a technician before you are able to apply for an HVAC license. The route that you take will determine the length of time that you need to spend on your qualification.

On The Job Training

If you have a high school diploma you can start your HVAC training by helping a trained and experienced technician. Start with a simple web search for HVAC companies in your area. With that information, refine the search, for example: World Class AC Repair and Installation. This will get you a list of companies that perform the services you want to learn. It’s an informal route to take and you will generally have to start at the very bottom with carrying materials and insulating lines.

In time you will move up to more important tasks such as soldering sheet metal and checking electrical circuits. If you choose this route you will need to look at HVAC self-study courses at the same time and the length of your training will vary depending on the technician you shadow and your self-study.

Get A Degree Or Certification

Another route you can take is to earn an HVAC certification or enroll in a degree program at a college. These programs will usually take between 6 months to 2 years to complete. Most certifications are a combination of class time and practical experience in labs to understand the techniques you will be using. Some of these programs will also offer access to internships for on the job experience.

Participate In An Apprenticeship

There are a lot of HVAC apprenticeship programs available from local HVAC associations. The apprenticeship will generally last 3 to 5 years and is a combination of on the job training and classroom time. These courses will cover everything you need to be an HVAC technician including how to read blueprints, the use and care of tools and the design of air conditioning systems.

Obtaining A License

To become a qualified HVAC technician you will need to get a license. The requirements for the license will vary depending on the state you are looking to work in. However, most licenses will require either the completing of a training program or an accumulated work experience of 2 to 5 years. In order to get the license, you will need to meet the requirements and pass an examination.

The content of the examination will vary, but generally, covers general HVAC knowledge and knowledge of the relevant electrical codes. If you are going to be handling refrigerants you will need to pass a special refrigerants certification exam for the type of appliances you will be working with. There are 3 classes of certification with Type 1 for small appliances, Type 2 for high-pressure systems and Type 3 for low-pressure systems.

The average length of time that it takes to become a qualified HVAC technician is between 2 to 5 years. The amount of time will depend on the route you are taking as a training program could take less time than an apprenticeship. Of course, you will need to verify what the requirements are for the license exam to be sure.

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The Right Training Makes a Great HVAC Technician

Once you decide that you want to learn more about becoming an HVAC technician, you will have to answer the question: How much schooling do I need to become an HVAC technician?

The good news is that there is always high demand for trained professionals in the heating and cooling industry, and you are in for a career path that offers fair compensation and rewarding work that comes along with challenges and exciting opportunities. So where to begin?

Students that find a solid HVAC program will be trained with the knowledge and experience necessary to take on a career in the field. The training will usually call for a combination of both in-classroom learning, along with the use of modern testing equipment and different tools that are used within the HVAC industry today. This training should only be conducted by experienced HVAC technicians so that you can be certain you are getting a quality education.

Not only should you be looking for an HVAC program that will give you hands-on training, but it should also have the option of certification in other fields, such as the handling of EPA-approved refrigerants and more.

The objectives of the coursework should also include a good working knowledge of everything having to do with heating and cooling systems, including air conditioning, heat pumps, refrigeration systems, and ducting/air movement for both commercial and residential locations.

HVAC Program Length

The right programs will give you all of the training and skill that you need to get your career on the fast track. Many people that are interested in a career as an HVAC technician will start to become discouraged when they learn that it may be best to enroll in a program for a multi-year apprenticeship that might pay a lesser amount for a great deal of hard work and time that they are putting in. Luckily, there are amazing programs available today where you can gain the skills and knowledge from the professionals in the field to help you get out there and working faster.

In general, you may find that coursework can range from six months up to two years, all depending on the program that you get involved in, as well as the various HVAC certifications that you are seeking. If you choose the right program, you may find yourself earning money and enjoying a job that you love in the HVAC field in as little as a year.

Prior to enrolling in any program, it is always going to be best that you take the time to find the right courses to give you exactly what you are looking for. Talk to any professionals in the field that you know and ask them pertinent questions that will help you with your decision on a program that may fall in line with what you are hoping to achieve. When all is said and done, you will be enjoying your life and career as a professional HVAC technician.

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If you are an HVAC contractor looking to go into business for yourself, or you are just an entrepreneur looking to start a company that is sure to get steady business, then you are possibly considering starting up an HVAC company. However, do you know what HVAC business requirements you need to meet in order to serve customers? Keep reading to find out X criteria you are going to likely need to meet.

1) Adequate insurance: HVAC work or repairs gone wrong can mean restoration costs ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars worth of property loss and structural damage. If a business is not fully or properly insured and makes a mistake they do not have the financial resources to cover, then the consequences could land hard on the homeowner or commercial client getting the service. Government laws may thus mandate that an HVAC company be insured to protect local citizens.

2) Proper licensing, accreditation, and certification: The actual professional standards that each employee of an HVAC company or business must meet varies, often at the state level. However, not every employee of the business must have appropriate HVAC training, as anyone just working the office does not serve that role. Any employee sent out to consult, diagnose, or work on HVAC issues though must meet these standards.

3) Appropriate tools, equipment, and supplies: In addition to your HVAC technicians having the right education, training, and formal recognition, the hardware they use must meet regulatory standards and be legally compliant. Many materials and some tools are phased out over time or eventually banned due to reasons ranging anywhere from being environmental hazards to health risks to too damaging on property. The good news is that many older tools are still acceptable, and can often be found at a discount. However, many clients might be looking for businesses that have cutting edge technology and even ‘green’ techniques that help the Earth out a little.

4) Business registration: This one is not HVAC-specific, but you do have to have a business license or registration of some form. Along with that comes the proper protocols and paperwork for everything from bookkeeping and tax collection and payments to human resources and labor contracts.

5) People: You might not think of actual humans as a criteria for running an HVAC business, but without employees, you can not run the business, and without customers, you can not have any revenue or income to operate the business. Fortunately, there are many HVAC contractors looking for work and there are always property owners or managers needing their HVAC systems serviced or repaired.

The specific and actual criteria and business requirements you have to meet as an HVAC business are going to vary at the municipal and state levels, so check with the departments and agencies of your city, county, and state executive branches that handle such matters to know exactly what you have to do to operate a business in your community.